A CAMPAIGN to make children more aware of the dangers on farms has been announced by Agri Aware, the trust that promotes the agri-food industry.
The approach of summer signals one of the busiest times for farmers, but it is also a time when children are spending more time on the farm because of school holidays.
While the majority of farm deaths involve adults, many children have been seriously injured in incidents such as falls from machinery or bales or being crushed by animals.
The farm safety campaign starts this week and continues until December. Primary schools will receive farm and countryside safety packs which encourage children to think about farm safety and get involved in competitions.
Students will also be encouraged to draw a picture depicting farm safety for Agri Aware’s safety calendar competition. The 2013 calendar will feature the winning entries, and will be sent to all primary schools in December.
The farm safety campaign was launched by Minister of State for Agriculture Shane McEntee. He said the rate of serious accidents on farms was “very high” compared to other industries.
Of the 54 workplace fatalities last year, 22 were on farms. There have been four farm-related deaths this year.
The campaign is supported by FBD, the IFA and ESB Networks.
Agri Aware chairman Bernard Donohue said: “We must ensure that our children are aware of the potential hazards and dangers on farms, and I encourage all schools and parents to get their children involved with this initiative.”
